Flags flying at half mast around the region to honour 751 ‘unknown souls’ lost to residential school system

Flags will be flying at half mast around the region today in light of the 751 unmarked graves found on the grounds of former Marieval Residential School in Saskatchewan, less than a month after the remains of 215 Indigenous children were found at a former residential school in B.C. 

The Waterloo Region District School Board will be flying flags at half mast “to honour the 751 unknown souls (and counting), their families and the Indigenous communities across this country whose lives have forever been negatively impacted by the imposition of assimilation tactics including the residential school system.”

The flags will remain lowered through to the end of June.

The City of Waterloo will have flags lowered at all facilities throughout the city as well. 

The City of Cambridge will start flying flags lowered tomorrow at the following locations: 

•          Historic City Hall, 46 Dickson Street Flag and Pole on top of Clock Tower

•          Cambridge City Hall, 50 Dickson Street Three flags and flagpoles at front of Hall

•          Bishop Operations Centre,1310 Bishop Street

•          All City Arenas/Cemeteries/Fire Stations

The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of a residential school experience. Support is available at 1-866-925-4419.